Dear Parishioners,

The end of October and first days of November take on a special focus in the Church as we celebrate All Hallows’ Eve on October 31st, All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd. They are days that help us to focus on the Communion of Saints—”the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers” (Paul VI, CPG 30).

This weekend we express our gratitude to God for Fr. Simon and his generous service to this parish. I have known Fr. Simon over the years since his arrival in the United States, but have definitely gotten to know him better once he was assigned here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and most recently since I arrived as pastor. Living together, sharing a meal, prayer and working side by side with him in ministry has been a joy.

Dear Parishioners,

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…”

This familiar line from the popular hymn is an important one to reflect upon given the recent uprising in Israel and Palestine, the continued war in Ukraine, and the mean spirited division we see in so many areas of the world. Having just been to Israel in April celebrating Holy Week and Easter it was hard to watch the news on Saturday and see what was happening in the country. It is a beautiful land with beautiful people and troubling to see such violence and anger towards fellow human beings. True peace comes only from the Prince of Peace—in justice that is merciful and kind.

Appreciation to the Parishioners of St. Bernard of Clairvaux,

It is almost three years since I started my ministry here at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish. First, I would like to thank all our parishioners for your love, patience, and care for me throughout my years of service. I am also grateful to Fr. Straley for allowing me to experience what parish ministry is all about. I also thank Fr. Fred for supporting me in various ways as a brother and assuring me that St. Bernard’s is my home parish. Thank you, Fr. Fred, for opening your doors for me to be a son of this great parish.

Dear Parishioners,

I was filled with joy this past weekend with the presence of so many people participating in the various gatherings here at Saint Bernard. I gave thanks to God over and over for your loving witness as a community.

Presence—physical presence is an important part of the Christian journey. A fundamental teaching of our Church is the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the deep love of God who desires to be physically present with us in our Sunday gatherings at Mass. Our Sunday obligation or rather “opportunity” is a reminder of His Real Presence and our call to be present to Him and one another.

It is hard to believe it is October already. For us in Arizona it is a promise of cooler weather and the months of desert beauty we love. As Catholics, this month is filled with special feast days, starting with October 1st, the Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux. Her little way is a model for many to love the Lord in every situation we find ourselves in.

The rest of the month includes many Catholic favorites—the Holy Guardian Angels, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Faustina, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Denis and Companions, St. John XXIII, St. Margaret Mary Alacouque, St. Luke, St. Paul of the Cross, St. John Paul II, St. John of Capistrano, St. Anthony Mary Claret and Sts. Simon and Jude. Plus many other saints that fill our days and lives.